Segment:
Compact to Mid-size Sedan/Wagon (depending on body style)
Competitors:
Chevrolet Cruze (rebadged Daewoo Lacetti), Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf/Bora
Value Proposition:
Affordable, practical, European-influenced design (styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro)
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable transportation with a touch of European styling
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, emission controls
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting and charging system, sensors, ECU diagnostics, wiring diagrams
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox overhaul, shift mechanism, fluid specifications
Transmission Automatic:
Hydraulic control, torque converter, valve body, overhaul, fluid specifications
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, fluid specifications
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack/box, tie rods, linkage, fluid specifications
Electrical Body:
Lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, central locking, interior/exterior trim, dashboard
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant, service procedures
Chassis Body:
Body structural repairs, panel replacement, corrosion protection, chassis components
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based repair guides, common fault identification
Component Removal Installation:
Step-by-step guides for all major and minor components
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission overhauls
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all systems
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and full rebuilds)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC
Engine Displacement Liters:
1.6L (E-TEC) or 1.8L (E-TEC II)
Engine Code Example:
A16DMS (for 1.6L) or A18DMS (for 1.8L) - *Verify specific codes*
Horsepower Approx 1.6L:
105-110 HP @ 6000 RPM
Torque Approx 1.6L:
140-145 Nm @ 3400 RPM
Horsepower Approx 1.8L:
115-125 HP @ 6000 RPM
Torque Approx 1.8L:
160-170 Nm @ 3400 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (RON 91 or higher recommended)
System:
Catalytic Converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Automatic Control Mode:
Electronically controlled, with 'Power' and 'Economy' modes
Manual Fluid Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil (Consult manual for exact spec)
Automatic Fluid Type:
Dexron III / Mercon compatible ATF (Consult manual for exact spec and capacity)
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan, 5-door Hatchback, 5-door Wagon
Length Approx Sedan:
4480 mm (approx)
Width Approx:
1700 mm (approx)
Height Approx Sedan:
1420 mm (approx)
Curb Weight Approx Manual:
1200 - 1300 kg (depending on body style and engine)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Approx:
1700 - 1800 kg (depending on configuration)
Crash Test Results:
Varies by region and testing body; generally considered average for its class in the late 90s.
ABS:
Optional on some trims, standard on higher trims
Traction Control:
Rarely available on this model year
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger airbags standard on most trims
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners for front seats
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced body structure
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio with CD/Cassette player, basic speaker setup
Dashboard Display:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature; basic warning lights
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trim levels
Aux Input:
Not standard, aftermarket head unit required
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500-10,000 km or 6-12 months (whichever comes first, using synthetic oil)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000-30,000 km or as needed based on conditions
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 40,000-60,000 km (depending on plug type)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 40,000-60,000 km or 2-4 years
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: Every 90,000-120,000 km or 5-7 years (interference engine, failure causes severe damage)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.8 - 4.2 liters (check dipstick, 10W-40 or 5W-30 recommended)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, long-life coolant (e.g., G11 or G12, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check reservoir cap)
Engine Performance:
Occasional rough idle, potential oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan
Electrical System:
Issues with power window motors, central locking actuators, dashboard warning lights
Suspension And Steering:
Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings leading to clunking noises or imprecise steering
Cooling System:
Thermostat failure, radiator leaks, water pump leaks
Exhaust System:
Corrosion and leaks, catalytic converter issues
Parent Company:
Daewoo Motors, formerly part of GM Korea (originally Saehan Motor Company)
Platform:
Developed on the GM T-Platform, shared with other GM Daewoo models and some Suzuki vehicles
Generation:
First generation (J100/J150)
Production Years:
1997-2008 (globally, with revisions)
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (Bupyong), Uzbekistan (Asaka - as Daewoo Damas/Labo/Matiz derivatives), and other licensed production facilities
Rebranding:
Sold under various names globally, including Chevrolet Optra, Suzuki Forenza, Buick Excelle (in China)
